Coach’s comment: “The hardest part is trying to get these guys to believe that they can win. Our numbers are the biggest they have been here in many years. It’s also the hardest working group I’ve had since I’ve been here — by far.”

Notes: The Tigers are coming off five straight postseason berths and are primed to make another run at the playoffs. Fenton has proven in recent years that they are one of the top teams in the FML and are expected to contend again this season.

Notes: The Hornets graduated most of its size and must develop new lineman to aid the return of several skilled athletes. If the bigmen in the trenches develop, then Kearsley could surprise in a wide-open FML. The Hornets must also learn how to win, as the program has not one more than five games in a season since 1998 (10-1).

Coach’s comment: “We are a lot like most of the teams in our league. We lost several two-and three-year starters to graduation and have some holes to fill. It all goes down to the younger guys stepping up and filling those holes and the seniors providing great leadership. If we get both of those, then we will be competitive.”

Coach’s comment: “We had 12 sophomores and a freshman on varsity last season, so we were really young. I think with a year experience and the fact that we have most of our team back, we should be a lot better than we were last season.”

Notes: This is the last year of Lapeer West football, as the Panthers will be merged into Lapeer West and become Lapeer High for the first time since 1976-77. West has five returning starters back on offense and six on defense, but must replace some key skilled athletes if the Panthers are to stay in the hunt in their final season in the FML.

Notes: Linden has been a factor in the FML on a regular basis for the past 15 years. The Eagles suffered mass amounts of starters to graduation, leaving the door open for new opportunity. The Eagles could stroll through a rebuilding year or just simply reload. Time will tell.

Coach’s comment: “We will be better than last season. Last year we only had a couple of returning starters and a roster mostly of first-year varsity players. Now we have a big senior class and these guys are hungry. They want to get back the playoffs.